Thursday, March 22, 2012

Fifteen of the 16 NBA teams that have winning records (as of March 22, 2012) drafted or made draft-day trades to acquire either their best player or a major piece of their team.

The quick checklist? Let’s do it.

In the Eastern Conference: Chicago drafted Derrick Rose. Miami robbed the NBA with Dwyane Wade’s selection, fifth overall, three picks after Darko Milicic. Orlando used the number one pick in 2004 on Dwight Howard.

Calling anyone a “star” on Philadelphia is tough. But their lone All-Star, Andre Iguodala, was picked by the Sixers ninth in 2004. Likewise, Indiana’s solo All-Star - Roy Hibbert was chosen 17th in 2008 by the Toronto Raptors. The Pacers traded on draft day to get the big-man from Georgetown.

Josh Smith lasted until pick 17 in `04

In 2004 – the Atlanta Hawks snookered the league by nabbing Josh Smith with the 17th selection. Lastly, in the East, you have the Boston Celtics who traded for Rajon Rondo – the 21st pick in the 2006 draft. All the winning teams in the East drafted or made draft-day trades to acquire either their best player or a major piece of their team.

In the Western Conference there is one winning team, the Houston Rockets, who did not build through the draft. Their core of Kyle Lowry, Goran Dragic, Kevin Martin, Luis Scola, Courtney Lee, Sam Dalembert, and Marcus Camby were all brought to Houston via the trade or free-agent signing. The Rockets do have three players who made their rookie debut with Houston but they are role players (Budinger, Patterson, and Parsons). The rest of the Western Conference teams with winning records built through the draft.

Don't forget. KD was a Sonic.

In Oklahoma City they have famously built a core out of the Thunder picks, Russell Westbrook, and James Harden - who teamed with franchise selection (from the Seattle Sonics days) Kevin Durant.

The Spurs made a living off of their own trio of draftees, Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili, and Tony Parker. Oh – by the way, Manu was the 57th pick in the 1999 draft. The Lakers arranged a deal to have the Charlotte Hornets choose Kobe Bryant 13th for them in the 1996 draft.

In Memphis, the Grizzlies smartly moved Shane Battier to Houston in exchange for the draft rights to Rudy Gay, who - along with 2007 pick Mike Conley, are a large part of the winning equation in MudCity.

The Clippers of course drafted Blake Griffin. Dallas made their move for Dirk Nowitzki on draft day 1998. The Denver Nuggets acquired Ty Lawson with a draft day trade in 2009 after he slipped to the 18th pick by Minnesota. Finally in the West, Utah smartly stole Paul Millsap from the 2006 draft with the 47th selection.

Is Davis a, Tim Duncan-like, franchise changer?

So what’s the point of all this? The point is that the 2012 NBA Draft is three months away and there are players alive in the NCAA tournament that have a CHANCE to impact NBA teams in the years to come. We will go as far as to say that there is one, sure-fire star; a bona fide franchise changer. And he is the focal point of our annual look at the sixteen prospects we feel may succeed in the NBA future. Not all of these guys will be good enough to play a major role on an NBA roster but some most-certainly will.

The Sweet 16:

Anthony Davis – Kentucky 6’10” 208 PF, SF, C. Freshman. …He will be the first pick in the 2012 NBA Draft (assuming he declares). Anthony Davis is a long and agile defensive force. He blocks shots at a ridiculously high rate. …I am of the opinion that he is a potential (barring injury), franchise changing player. The shots he does not block, he alters. It is no coincidence that Kentucky has held their opponents to 37% FG shooting this season, en route to a number one ranking and a record of 34-2. Stop and think about the chance your team has to win if you can hold your opponent to 37% FG each game. (If you really stopped and thought about it - you envisioned champagne corks popping.) ...What is even more fun about Davis is that he is not just a shot-blocking stiff. He has skill. He was a high-school guard that stood 6'0" as a freshman. A growth spurt occurred but Davis maintained his ability to handle the ball, and shoot it from the perimeter. ...He is at 70 %FT for this season. He has a positive assist-to-turnover ratio. ...Davis' efficiency rating of .819 compares favorably (higher) than the NCAA career efficiency ratings of both Kevin Durant and Kevin Love. ...Davis has already been named Sporting News Player of the Year for 2011-12. ...He was MVP of the 2011 Jordan Brand Classic with 29 points (the second highest point total ever behind only LeBron James).

Young Zella!

Cody Zeller – Indiana 6’11” 230 C. Freshman. Zeller is the rare big-man with refined skills, even as a freshman. He uses either hand well around the basket. He shoots 62% FG. He can hurt you on the pick and roll or the pick and pop. He rebounds. He doesn’t mind contact. And he makes his free throws (75%). Zeller, younger brother of North Carolina's Tyler Zeller, averages 15.5 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game. Cody shared Big Ten Freshman of the Year honors with Trey Burke of Michigan.

Robinson is a savage dunker!

Thomas Robinson – Kansas 6’9” 230 PF. Junior. Robinson is a strong, athletic power player that was named All-America First Team, by the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC). He was also chosen as Big 12 Player of the Year (Big 12 & AP). …Robinson is a rebounding machine, and that skill will translate to the NBA. This season he scores 17.7 points per game while grabbing 11.8 rebounds each contest. He does have areas that need major work, including decision making (he has more turnovers than assists), and free throw shooting (only 60% career).

Jared Sullinger – Ohio St. 6’8” 265 PF. Sophomore. Sullinger is a scoring power forward with a large backside. He uses his lower body strength to gain position low but he also is nimble enough and a good-enough shooter to knock down face-up opportunities as well. ...He is a solid free throw shooter for a big man at 72% (career) but he has more turnovers than assists. He gets in trouble when he tries to do more than he should with a dribble. ...Despite having post-up ability, Sullinger can also nail the three-ball. This season he is knocking down 44% from beyond the arc. ...He was co-MVP of the 2010 McDonald's All-American game (with Harrison Barnes).

Green: two triple-doubles in NCAA's

Draymond Green – Michigan St. 6’7” 230 SF, PF. Senior. One of the most intriguing prospects in the NCAA is Draymond Green. Green is a “point-forward” who stands 6’7” but has a wide, thick frame that allows him to “play bigger”. He makes up for any lack of height with his savvy and skill. He was the Big Ten Player of the Year for 2011-12 – posting averages of 16.3 points per game, and 10.5 rebounds per outing. …Green is an excellent passer (3.9 assists per game) that sees the floor and can deliver a pass in the sweet spot. He has quick hands and he will pester opponents into turnovers. He owns a positive assist-to-turnover ratio (1.51-to-1). His shooting stroke has improved. This season he is at 71% FT, and 40% 3-pt. ...LedSaginawHigh School to Michigan Class A State Championship two straight years as a junior and senior respectively. Green is a kid I really enjoy watching play. I rate him much higher than most NBA Draft prognosticators.

Jae Crowder – Marquette. 6’6” 225 SF. Senior. The son of former Utah Jazz guard Corey Crowder, Jae Crowder has carved a niche in the Big East as one of the most versatile players in the league. This season Jae was Big East Player of the Year - posting 17.6 ppg, with 8.4 rpg, and a very nice 2.5 steals per game. How Jae's game may translate to the NBA is open for debate. Crowder most likely will fall into the 'small-forward' pool - where I think he will be just fine. ...He is smart with the ball and he is a very alert defender. He rarely turns it over (1.75-to-1 assist to turnover ratio), and he can shoot the three-ball (36%) - which are two sought after qualities in a small forward. Crowder is especially good at hitting the top-of-the-key three pointer.

MKG is amazing in transition.

Michael Kidd-Gilchrist – Kentucky. 6’7” 232 SG. Freshman. Kidd-Gilchrist is a special player in transition. He plays at hyper-speed and yet somehow has the body control to finish plays that simply could not be made by an ordinary athlete. He was ranked third for the high-school class of 2011 by ESPNU. This season he was named second-team All-America by the U.S. Basketball Writers Association. ...He works on defense and is unselfish on offense. A hustler. ...Averages 11.8 points and 7.6 rebounds per game on 48% FG, 74% FT.

Tyler Zeller – North Carolina. 7’0” 220 C. Senior. Zeller is the 2011-12 ACC Player of the Year. He can run and finish well for a seven footer. He hustles. …Owns a quick release on his shot and he has a soft touch. You can count on him at the free throw line where he hits 75% (career). He uses both hands well in the low post. He is more effective with hook shots going over the top of the defense than he is trying to go at someone. ...He competes. He takes charges. ...He hits the offensive glass and will score on tip-ins.

Withey is a shot blocker!

Jeff Withey – Kansas. 7’0” 235 C. Junior. … Withey is a shot-blocking threat that also has a bit of a complementary offensive game. He has post-play skill and can also hit a face-up shot. He shoots 73% from the line. …Withey must improve as a passer and decision maker with the ball. He turns it over almost twice for every one assist.

DeShaun Thomas – Ohio St. 6’7” 221 SF. Sophomore. Thomas is a scoring, left-handed, forward that gets buckets in every way imaginable. He averages 15.9 points per game (on 53% FG) to go with 5.3 rebounds per contest. …73% FT. ...Thomas must continue to develop his playmaking for others. He has more turnovers than assists for his career to date. ...He was a 2010 McDonald's All-American that was named Mr. Basketball in Indiana.

Victor Oladipo – Indiana. 6’5” 214 SG. Junior. Oladipo is a speedy, sturdy guard with NBA athleticism. He averages 10.9 points per game while also helping out on the boards at 5.5 rebounds per contest. He can shake his man with a crafty dribble. …He needs to improve as a perimeter shooter (just 21% from 3-pt. range this season), and he needs to be more consistent. He has too many games where his shooting percentage is low. ...He is a career 69% free throw shooter. But the athleticism, and nose for the ball are too promising to be overlooked.

The real-deal, Bradley Beal.

Bradley Beal – Florida. 6’3” 207 SG. Freshman. Beal is a TWO Guard that helps as a rebounder. He is averaging 14.6 points per game, and 6.5 rebounds per contest. He came in touted as a big-time three-point shooter but this season he knocked down only 32% of his attempts. …His 77% free throw shooting is probably a better indication of his touch. ...He is said to be a great teammate. ...Former McDonald's All-American. He was MVP at the under-17 FIBA world championships in Germany.

John Henson – North Carolina. 6’10” 210 C, PF. Junior. Henson is a super long shot blocker and offensive rebounding force that is improving as a face-up shooter. He was the 2011-12 ACC Defensive Player of the Year. ...Henson blocks and alters a huge number of the opponent’s shots, making him very valuable. Henson averaged 13.8 ppg, and 10.1 rpg this season. ...He is rail thin - raising concerns about long-term prospects from a health standpoint. ...He is a poor free throw shooter at 48% (career).

Jackson makes the Bears go.

Pierre Jackson – Baylor. 5’10” 180 PG. Junior. Jackson may be the Bears most important player. It is hard to imagine where they would be without him. ...Jackson came from the juco ranks (Southern Idaho). ...He is averaging 13.5 points per game, to go with a healthy 5.8 assists per contest. Imagine Hubie Brown speaking, "What you like about him, is that he is shooting 41 percent from downtown. Ok, and THEN..., he goes to the line and hits 81 percent."

Quincy Miller – Baylor. 6’9” 200 SF. Freshman. …Miller was the co-Freshman of the Year in the Big 12. He is a 6'9" small-forward with the ability to hit shots. His percentages are good (81% FT, 35% 3-pt). ...He played for USA Basketball at the FIBA Americas U-18 Championships. He led the team in rebounding and was second in scoring. He made a game-winning three point shot in the Gold Medal game vs. Brazil.

Perry Jones III – Baylor. 6’11” 220 SF. Sophomore. Jones is a player with a ceiling that is unlimited. He has basketball instincts, and skills that are rarely found in a 6'11" frame. He is still learning how to play and I have seen improvement from his freshman to sophomore season but he has holes in his game that must be improved before he can impact an NBA game. He is too thin to be considered a BIG and his ball skills suggest he should be a player who plays on the perimeter facing the hoop. The problem is that he does not yet shoot the three-ball at an acceptable rate (26% - career), and he turns it over more than he assists teammates. He averaged 13.4 ppg, and 7.4 rpg this season. ...He was a McDonald's All-American.

Special nod to a guy who doesn’t even play - Michael Carter-Williams – Syracuse. 6’5” 176 PG. Freshman. …This dude doesn’t even play. That’s how deep the Syracuse guard line is. Carter-Williams is buried on a Orange team that has experienced Scoop Jardine, Brandon Triche, and Dion Waiters - but the freshman, when it’s all said and done - may be the best NBA player among the bunch. Carter-Williams has logged only 269 minutes this season but his play stands out each time he appears. ...A 2011 McDonald's All-American, Carter-Williams was rated 20th overall and fourth among shooting guards on the 2011 ESPNU 100. ...While some may see him as a SG, I think is best position will be at the POINT - where he can better use his height as an advantage. He owns an impressive assist-to-turnover ratio of better than 3-to-1.

The power forwards to watch list includes the guy that I strongly believe will be a franchise-changing, type player in the NBA (Anthony Davis). ...Please keep in mind that many of these players do play multiple positions but for the purpose of these lists - they are listed at one position only.

Annually we list the players in the NCAA Tournament that we feel have the best chances to succeed someday at the next level. ...Here are the shooting guards…

MKG is a transition FREAK!

Michael Kidd-Gilchrist – Kentucky 6’7” 232 Freshman. Kidd-Gilchrist is a special player in transition. He plays at hyper-speed and yet somehow has the body control to finish plays that simply could not be made by an ordinary athlete. He was ranked third for the high-school class of 2011 by ESPNU. This season he was named second-team All-America by the U.S. Basketball Writers Association. ...He works on defense and is unselfish on offense. A hustler. ...Averages 11.8 points and 7.6 rebounds per game on 48% FG, 74% FT.

Jamaal Franklin – San Diego St. 6’5” 195 Sophomore. Franklin burst onto the scene this year, averaging 17.2 points, 7.9 rebounds and 1.5 assists. Last season, he barely played on a talented, veteran laden SDSU team. Franklin is an athletic player that has some flash to his game. He can create a shot and draw fouls with one-on-one plays. ...He converts 77% from the free-throw line (career). …Named 2011-12 Mountain West Conference Player of the Year. He could be a better decision maker, and he could handle the ball more carefully (he has about two turnovers for every one assist). ...He really helps out on the glass.

C.J. hits the boards!

C.J. McCollum – Lehigh 6’3” 180 Sophomore. McCollum is a guard with a nice touch and a nose for the ball. He is not going to overwhelm with athleticism but he finds a way to consistently get into the mid-range for shots. ...McCollum is a scorer. He averages 21.9 points per game. He gets to the free-throw line with regularity where he converts at 82% (career). ...Shoots 35% from 3-pt. range this season. ...Said Jeff Jones, American University Head Coach (link follows), "There's not a whole lot of players better than him in the country. He's not a very good Patriot League player; he’s a very good player, period." http://www.lehighvalleylive.com/lehigh/index.ssf/2012/03/lehigh_university_guard_cj_mcc.html

Will Barton – Memphis 6’6” 170 Sophomore. Boundless energy defines Will Barton. He just keeps going and going and going. Barton is a versatile guard that can defend PG's or SG's. ...He is excellent in transition. …Was named to CBSSports.com's All-America third team. ...Barton leads Memphis and Conference USA in scoring with an 18.1 average. He also ranks among the league leaders in rebounding (7th), field goal percentage (11th), free throw percentage (10th), assists (13th), steals (5th) and minutes played (4th). He is the only guard ranked in the top-10 of C-USA's rebounding leaders.

D.J. Stephens will get dirty!

D.J. Stephens – Memphis 6’5” 187 Junior. This is probably a stretch. …Stephens is noticeable for his athleticism although he plays only eight minutes per game. ...He energizes his team by doing whatever is asked of him. ...He is also known for executing crazy dunks. He is an above-the-rim finisher. In three seasons at Memphis his field goal percentage is 62%. …At the professional level - I see him as a defender that can get you buckets in transition. He is an NBA athlete and a guy willing to accept that plays won't be run for him.

Oladipo is a 'high-riser'.

Victor Oladipo – Indiana6’5” 214 Junior. I really like Oladipo's speed! He is an NBA athlete for sure. ...Oladipo averages 10.9 points per game while also helping out on the boards at 5.5 rebounds per contest. He can shake his man with a crafty dribble. …He needs to improve as a perimeter shooter (just 21% from 3-pt. range this season), and he needs to be more consistent. He has too many games where his shooting percentage is low. ...He is a career 69% free throw shooter.

Bradley Beal – Florida6’3” 207 Freshman. Beal is a TWO Guard that helps as a rebounder. He is averaging 14.6 points per game, and 6.5 rebounds per contest. He came in touted as a big-time three-point shooter but this season he knocked down only 32% of his attempts. …His 77% free throw shooting is probably a better indication of his touch. ...He is said to be a great teammate. ...Former McDonald's All-American. He was MVP at the under-17 FIBA world championships in Germany.

Lamb is smooth.

Jeremy Lamb – Connecticut 6’5” 185 Sophomore. Lamb is a smooth shooting guard with NBA athleticism and length. He played a large role on the Kemba Walker-led U-Conn team that won the 2011 National Championship. He has quick hands. …He hits the three point shot at 38% (career). …He is a good free throw shooter at 82% (career). He has tremendous basketball instincts - making quick passes that lead to baskets. In 2011 (Summer) he played for USA Basketball's U-19 team at the FIBA World Championships in Latvia. He was the only American player selected to the five-man All-Tournament Team.

Doug Anderson – Detroit 6’5” 220 Junior. Anderson was a big-time juco player that led the Mott Community College Bears to a runner-up finish at the NJCAA national championships as a sophomore in 2011. …He is a supreme athlete that finishes plays above the rim. This season he's averaged 9.1 points per game on 51% FG, while shooting 80% from the foul line. ...Anderson is right-handed. …You can get a feel for Anderson’s athletic prowess in this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TO1TDs87hQU

Jeffrey Taylor – Vanderbilt 6’7” 210 Senior. Taylor does some things that separate him from the average Shooting Guard prospect. For starters - he takes charges and is an excellent defender. …He is also relatively unselfish - passing ahead as a rule. …He is a good athlete with quick and explosive jumping ability. ...He has dramatically improved as a three-point shooter (at 43% this season!). ...He can try to do too much at times - which is why he is yet to have a season with more assists than turnovers. ...This season - he averages 16 points and 5.8 rebounds per game. ...Summer 2008: Played for Sweden National Team in the Under-20 European Division B Championships, where he averaged 19.4 points, 9.3 rebounds and 2.8 assists in eight games. ...Taylor's father, Jeff, played at Texas Tech before playing in the NBA for Houston and Detroit.

John Jenkins – Vanderbilt 6’4” 215 Junior. Jenkins is a "knock-down" shooter with a soft touch that was recently named the MVP of the 2012 SEC Tournament. He hits the three-ball at 44.8%! At the line, late in games you can count on his career 86%. …He has more turnovers than assists for his career and he doesn’t help too much on the boards - but give John Jenkins an open jump shot and most likely that baby is going down.

J’Covan Brown – Texas6’1” 185 Junior. Brown is a talented player that can really score. He was named First Team All Big 12 (by the coaches). ...I can him the "right-handed Nick Van Exel." …He is aggressive in every thing he does on the court. …An important piece for the Longhorns, Brown finished the season as the Big 12 scoring champ, averaging 20.0 points per game. He was among the league leaders in assists (3.9, 8th), FT Percentage (86.0, 4th), steals (1.3, 8th), 3Pt.FG Percentage (37.5, 14th), 3PFGs Made (74, 4th), Assist-to-Turnover Ratio (1.47, 8th), and Minutes Played (35.3, 2nd). ...Not afraid to take ANY shot.

William Buford – Ohio St. 6’5” 205 Senior. Buford is a terrific wing player that can score or share! He has consistently averaged 14 points per game for the last three seasons. What I really like about his game is that he is the rare jump shooter with a positive assist-to-turnover ratio (1.46-to1). …I'd like to see him get to the free throw line more often - where he hits 80% of his attempts. …Perimeter scorer. Right handed. 2008-09 Big Ten Freshman of the Year.

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

It is always our intention to bring light to those that may not be getting mass-media hype.Annually we list the players in the NCAA Tournament that we feel have the best chances to succeed someday at the next level. This year – we found it exceedingly difficult to narrow down those worthy of mention. The talent pool is deep.

Please use this list of the top point-guards (and the forthcoming lists for other positions) to consider guys that could be the game-changers that alter your bracket. Just as upsets happen in the games, you may consider some of the players listed here as underdogs. You will see several "big-name" guards in the "also-considered" category. Trust that we are not hating on anyone. It is simply one person's VERY independent opinion.

We break it down by position. Let’s start with the Point Guards!

He barely plays on a deep team but MCW is a top-prospect!

Michael Carter-Williams – Syracuse 6’5” 176 Freshman - Carter-Williams is buried on a Orange team that has experienced guards in Scoop Jardine, Brandon Triche, and Dion Waiters - but the freshman, when it’s all said and done - may be the best NBA player among the bunch. Carter-Williams has logged only 269 minutes this season but his play stands out each time he appears. ...A 2011 McDonald's All-American, Carter-Williams was rated 20th overall and fourth among shooting guards on the 2011 ESPNU 100. ...While some may see him as a SG, I think is best position will be at the POINT - where he can better use his height as an advantage. He owns an impressive assist-to-turnover ratio of better than 3-to-1.

Nate Wolters – South Dakota St. 6’4” 190 Junior – Wolters is averaging 21 points, five rebounds, and six assists, giving NBA scouts a reason to visit South Dakota. He is right-handed with average to below average speed - which he makes up for with tremendous skill. He hits a variety of runners, floaters, and mid-range shots. ...Wolters is an excellent passer that runs the pick and roll well. His 2.82 to 1 assist-to-turnover ratio is rock solid. ...80% free throw shooter (career). On December 18, 2011 - Wolters scored 34 points (with seven assists, and five boards) in Seattle versus good Washington guards. ...He could be better as a finisher with his left hand. ...He also plays tennis. See video of Wolters big game at Washington here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8XYRK61RfHo

Waiters is dynamic!

Dion Waiters – Syracuse 6’4” 215 Sophomore – Waiters is one of four Syracuse guards that can run the point. In our opinion – he is the most dynamic scorer among the group. He averages 13 points per game – despite playing only 24 minutes per contest. …He is a pesky defender that thrives at turning teams over and then finishing in transition. Waiters is far from a complete player. He still takes rushed, bad shots, and he doesn’t always share as much as I would like him to. He’s the kind of kid that has an aggressive scorer’s mentality, and if it’s close on the break – he will keep it for himself. …He is right handed. …Waiters was recently honored by CBSSports.com as the National Sixth Man of the Year.

Michael Dixon – Missouri 6’1” 185 Junior – Missouri’s success can be directly attributed to the team’s over-abundance of talented point guards. Michael Dixon is one of three PGs that keep the ball moving and going into the hoop for the Tigers. Dixon is a confident kid that can beat you with his accurate shooting (36% 3-pt career) or his better than 2-to-1 assist to turnover ratio. Dixon is a career 85% free throw shooter that helps close out games.

Marcus Denmon – Missouri 6’3” 185 Senior - Denmon is an unselfish, right handed, guard with toughness. He gets 17.6 points per game and helps as that little guy that can rebound, pulling down 5.1 boards per game this season! He is quick. ...Shoots 79% from the line (career), and his three-point shooting accuracy hovers above 40%. He can take you off the dribble with his super-quick first step - or he can bury the long range shot. He reacts quickly. ...Makes good cuts to the hoop. ...Improving rapidly. …Would like to become a basketball coach following his playing career. He owns a 1.69 to 1 assist-to-turnover ratio (career). ...Suffered a fractured knee-cap as a freshman.

Paul Pressey's son Phil is a playmaker!

Phil Pressey – Missouri 5’10” 175 Sophomore - The son of one of the original (if not THE original) NBA "point-forward" Paul Pressey (pictured), Phil inherited dad's ability to find the open-man. Phil is a "true point guard". ...He averages an impressive six assists per game while chipping in ten points per contest. He is a 76% free throw shooter than can also knock down the three-ball at a reasonable rate (.351 career). ...He is small at 5'10" and he will be vulnerable to being posted up. He could be better with his left hand around the basket. ...But overall the positives outweigh the negatives.

KendallMarshall – North Carolina 6’4” 195 Sophomore - Please do not mistake what I am about to say for hyperbole. Kendall Marshall is the best passing Point Guard since Magic Johnson. Seriously. I mean that. This kid does not have Magic's complete game but from a standpoint of strictly judging court-vision, Marshall is THAT good. His look-ahead assists are routine, and his assist-to-turnover ratio is at 3-to-1 for his career. ...Marshall has some ability to drive and score but getting more points is something he needs to do to raise his level of play. He is left handed. …He uses the hesitation dribble to get into the lane. …Always looking for teammates. ...Keeps defenses somewhat honest w/ his .356 three-point percentage (career). …He is good at creating space with his body leanings. ...Former McDonald's All-American.

Trey Burke – Michigan 5’11” 180 Freshman - Burke has a maturity that belies his freshman status - which propelled him to being named the Big Ten Freshman of the Year (media). He averages 14.8 points, and 4.6 assists per game. …He runs the Wolverines. This season, Burke surpassed Gary Grant in setting a new freshman assists record at Michigan. …Burke has the ability to get into the paint and find his teammates. ...Cool, calm, and steady. ...He shoots 73% FT, 35% 3-PT.

Ragland can shoot it!

Joe Ragland – Wichita St. 6’0” 185 Senior - Ragland is an emotional lefty Point Guard that can create shots for himself and for teammates. His shooting numbers are outstanding. How many PG's do you know of that shoot 56%FG, 82%FT, and 50% from beyond the arc? That is what Ragland is doing this season!

Trevor Releford – Alabama 6’1” 180 Sophomore - Releford has quick hands and he is excellent in transition. He led the SEC in steals per game this season. …He averages 11 points per game and at this stage is actually more of a two-guard than he is a point-guard. Releford's assist-to-turnover ratio is nothing to write home about at 1.33-to-1, and he could stand to be in better shape. …He does knock down his free throws at 81% this season.

Aaron Craft – Ohio St. 6’2” 195 Sophomore - Aaron Craft is a unique player that is a personal favorite of ours. ...He is highly intelligent; an Academic All-American that can solve a Rubik's cube in about a minute, and ten seconds. He is also the best defensive point guard in college basketball. He is tenacious, relentless, and smothering when guarding an opponent. …He will stand-in and take a charge. His teammates call him the most motivated player on the Buckeyes roster. ...Craft was named the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year for 2011-12. ...He doesn't score much. And honestly - he doesn't need to with a team that has Jared Sullinger, William Buford, and DeShaun Thomas.

Ray McCallum – Detroit 6’1” 179 Sophomore - McCallum chose to stay home and play for his father Ray, - the head coach at University of Detroit. …McCallum was a McDonald's All-American that could have played at a larger, more prestigious school. …He was also a member of the World University Games team. ...He has big-time leaping ability to go with good quickness and speed. ...He has great body control. He needs to improve his 3-point shooting (27% career). ...His free throw stroke is at 72% for his two seasons combined at Detroit. ...Assist-to-turnover ratio stands at 1.81-to-1 (career).

Coop: MAC Tourney MVP

D.J. Cooper – Ohio 5’11” 165 Junior – Cooper is a young looking, left-handed kid that can hit a three point shot or score on the move. He owns a better than 2 to 1 assist-to-turnover ratio and recently became Ohio's all-time leader in assists. ...He was the MAC Tournament MVP and a Cousy Award finalist. ...Named to the All-MAC First Team for the second year in a row last week. ...He has good speed. …Tied for 11th in the country in steals per game at 2.4 per outing. …Has the ability to go "coast-to-coast". ...75% free throw shooter (career). ...Cooper was the MAC Freshman of the Year. ...High school: Named the Chicago Sun-Times' Small School Player of the Year in 2009.

Lorenzo Brown – N.C. State 6’5” 189 Sophomore - A huge reason that NC State is relevant is the due to the play of Lorenzo Brown. While he needs to improve his shooting stroke, he is the dynamic kind of point guard that can get you points, rebounds, and assists in an efficient manner. He averages 12.7 ppg, 4.3 rpg, and 6.4 apg. ...He has a thin frame, and he must become a better defender. ...73% FT (career). ...He even has a little, back-to-the-basket post game as well.